the goan I network
VASCO
Exploring an underground tunnel and climbing the 120-year-old lighthouse were part of a unique ‘Walk of the Pearl ’ heritage walkathon at St Jacinto Island on Sunday.
Over 38 participants had a look at heritage sites in Sao Jacinto Island, which also included a history of the St Jacinto Church, a visit to the underground fresh water spring and Chapel of St Domingo on the mount.
Fr Michael Fernandes was the resource person who guided the heritage lovers around the island with commentary interspersed on the various heritage and historical events that the island has seen in its past.
The highlight of the event was the display of the island map which showed the divisions and the ownership of the island amongst its various residents who happen to belong to the fishermen community.
The Islanders amongst themselves are the sole owners of the entire island and the local residents have preserved this privilege with pride and honour.
An interaction with local traditional fishermen was also organised for the participants and they discussed various fishing practices that fishermen use in their fishing activity.
Antonio Furtado, a traditional fisherman shared his practical knowledge of the Chicalim Bay and its marine bio-diversity fishing seasons and their own difficulties during lean fishing seasons.
The heritage walk was the brainchild of Cyril Fernandes, chairperson of the Chicalim Biodiversity Heritage Site Committee, which is working to get Chicalim village to be declared as a Biodiversity Heritage site by the Goa State Biodiversity Board.
Though most participants were residents of Chicalim, the walk attracted heritage lovers from Vasco and Panaji. All participants were given a brochure with more information on each site that they visited along with a certificate certifying their participation.
Cyril Fernandes promised to make it a regular event for the benefit of heritage lovers of Goa, India and abroad.
Welcoming the announcement, the Chicalim villagers offered to help in organising this heritage walk for the benefit of all local Goans and other tourists who would be interested in visiting St Jacinto Island and explore all its wonderful sites.
